Ainsworth v. First Bank of South Dakota

MILLER, Chief Justice.

Lincoln and Elaine Ainsworth appeal from a judgment entered upon a jury verdict for all defendants. Ainsworths argue that the trial court erred in the admission of hearsay testimony and in instructing the jury. We affirm.

FACTS

This controversy centers around Larry Byrne’s attempt to develop a commercial coal-pelleting process, which he sought to patent. Byrne was financed by First Bank of South Dakota (Bank) and one of its officers, Bruce Walker. 1 Lincoln Ains-worth was hired by Byrne to market the process under a commissions contract.

Through Ainsworth’s marketing…